Part 11.] FOOD COXSERVATIOX. 117 



is our first duty in food conservation. Another phase of patri- 

 otic use of foods has likewise become clear. We must share 

 our common supplies and the common risk. The putting away 

 of food in cans was not solely for our individual advantage. 

 Our thrift released supplies which we must otherwise have 

 bought. But when delays in transportation cause a shortage in 

 essentials, our thinking must be in terms of the community 

 need. When there is not sugar enough to go round, laying in 

 a barrel of sugar for a family of two cannot be considered an 

 admirable example of thrift. We begin to ask, "Who needs it 

 most?" We behave as becomes the "soldiers of the common 

 good." We squarely and cheerfully share the common hard- 

 ship and the common risk. 



But another duty is likewise a community obligation, — to 

 provide essential food for our families with the least possible 

 expense. To this end the woman who buys and cooks food 

 needs to know what essential foods are required for the family, 

 and how much is enough. She has been wisely cautioned not to 

 waste food by throwing away any particle which might give 

 strength or energy to any human being, or maintain conditions 

 required for growth. This she carefully practices. But the in- 

 telligence which wisely chooses and measures has not been com- 

 mon. It is not common to-day, but the women of the country 

 are giving earnest attentioh to this fundamental duty, and are 

 adding to their knowledge of food values. This, too, is food 

 conservation. 



Now we come to certain problems in directing food conserva- 

 tion. These two types of food economy are presented to the 

 nation through general appeals from Washington, and by vari- 

 ous committees and authorities concerned in food conservation. 

 A'olunteers spring up on every hand to help in the good work 

 and instruct the people. Discussion and argument, question 

 and quibble are heard on every hand. The necessity for food 

 conservation, the wisdom or the folly of doing without are 

 valiantly supported and vigorously challenged. Why are we 

 not of one accord? Because we have not realized that we are 

 carrying the message to families of varying needs, dealing with 

 widely different conditions. To each group the message must 

 be interpreted. In the first place, every community contains, 



